Joyful Noiz September 2016 Page 20 Joyful Noiz The Word … · 2016-08-24 · 5 years and stored...

Joyful Noiz May 2006 Page 20 Joyful Noiz September 2016 Page 20

The Joyful Noiz is published monthly by Zion Mennonite Church. The editor is Jennifer Moyer. Contributors this month included: Scott Benner, Emily Bergey, Yvonne Detweiler, Katie Freed, Bill Fridey, Rod Kratz, L:aura Martin, Judy McVaugh, Klaudia Smucker. Stories and information for the newsletter can be submitted to Jennifer via email <[email protected]> or left in the mailbox marked “Joyful Noiz” in the church office.

Next Deadline: September 11, 2016

The Word Around Zion

There will be NO Sunday school classes held on September 3.

The new Sunday School year begins on September 11.

The Adult Choir will begin practice on Wednesday, September 7

at 7:15 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. We are always happy to see

new faces join the choir! See Samantha Brannon if you have any

questions.

Jr. & Sr. High students interested in attending the YPU shore trip

on September 9 - 11, contact Scott Benner. Parents are needed to

serve as advisors. Cost is $50.00.

Available: A Concord Liberty Stairlift is available for Free. Used

5 years and stored for 10 years, All hardware included. (Left side

installation) Like new condition. Also, a handmade wool braided

oval rug, 11' x 17', clean, excellent condition - best offer. Contact

Judy McVaugh for information.

Sunday School Opportunities

Sunday School begins at 10:15 a.m. All classes end at 11:15 a.m.

Infant Rm 139

Toddlers Rm 141

Preschool Rm 137

Kind. - 1st Grade Rm 133

2nd - 3rd Grade Rm 140

4th - 5th Grade Rm 130

Jr. & Sr. High (Gr. 6 -12) Rm121

Post High Rm 120

Friendship Library

Seekers (Adult) Rm 151

Sojourners (Adult) Rm 136

Footprints (Adult) Rm 132

Believers (Adult) Rm 138

Reception (Sr. Adult) Rm 150

Joyful Noiz September 2016

Zion Mennonite Church ° www.zionmennonite.org 149 Cherry Lane ° Souderton, PA 18964 215-723-3592 ° Fax: 215-723-0573

Saying Goodbye…

It was a bright, sunny, January day in Laredo, Texas, when I got a call from

Mim Book, and then a follow-up call from Jim Gunden. “We’re looking for a

bridge pastor. Might you be interested?” I’m not sure if it was the magic of

Jim Gunden, or God calling, as I listened to him talk, but the idea of

returning to PA in February didn’t seem like such a bad idea after all! I

asked to have the weekend to pray about it, as well as talk it over with Bob.

Bob said, “Sure, if that’s what you want to do.” This from a man who was

hoping that cold and snow would be all over with by the time we were back.

As I prayed about it, I had a profound sense of peace and a growing sense of

joy-both signs to me that God was in this.

The idea was that I would agree to a three month term with a mutual month

by month agreement. From that first day that I walked into the office and

was greeted by a smiling Jenn Moyer, my heart was full. We had a staff

meeting, and I walked away from there thinking, these are good people. As I

got to know the staff, I saw how hard they work and how much they love this

congregation. They literally drop whatever it is that they are doing if there is

a need from someone here.

I went with Beth to Rockhill Community where she served communion and

was privileged to experience how much people there love her (and how much

she loves them). I attended one of the youth meetings with Scott, who is

faithfully present in scheduled and unscheduled times with our youth. I

watched as Jim negotiated cleaning along with schedules for a building that

is heavily used by the church and community. I got hugs from Brian. I

watched Sam Brannon get amazing music out of a small church choir; and

Nancy Constanzer makes the organ sing beautifully! Spend time with either

one of them and you will be laughing about something! Janice comes in

faithfully and without fanfare every Tuesday, and is kind and conscientious;

as is Nicole, who comes in at all kinds of hours to do her work as treasurer,

working around a busy schedule with young children. Continued to page 3…

Joyful Noiz May 2006 Joyful Noiz September 2016 Page 2

Creatin Care Tidbits

A Problem Brewing

Aah, that wonderful smell of coffee brewing first thing in the

morning!!! How do you make YOUR morning java? By

percolator, drip, pour over, cold brew or the latest maker, the

Keurig single serve? The maker of this household device, John

Sylvan, feels guilty that he ever invented it. Why, you might ask?

The K-Cups create mountains of trash, 13 billion went into

landfills last year. There were enough K-Cups sold in 2014 to

circle the earth more than 12 times. (That's up from a 2013

estimate by Mother Jones, which had the K-Cups circling the earth

10.5 times.)

According to Keurig's website, the company is pushing for all

K-Cups to be 100 percent recyclable by 2020, but that’s another 4

years. They claim the current cups are recyclable but they would

have to be disassembled into paper, plastic, and metal

components, something not easily done.

Another problem is the cost. The machines themselves are not too

expensive, but the K-Cups contain a mere 11 grams of ground

coffee, vacuum-sealed in nitrogen to prevent oxidation. This

amounts to selling standard coffee grounds for around $40. a

pound!

If you don't already own one of these modern wonders think twice

before purchasing one. If you do, there are refillable cups sold on

Amazon for about $15. that will allow you to use your own coffee

(preferably fair trade, organic) in the Keurig machines. This will

make your machine much better for the planet and less expensive

for you.

Bill Fridey

Joyful Noiz September 2016 Page 19

Bible Mania Children’s Church

October 2 Heidi Borisow

Sherry & Ben Russell Dan & Amy McDonough

October 9 Enjoy Time in Worship Brad & Susan Schanz

October 16 Enjoy Time in Worship Tim & Julie Wallace

October 23 Heidi Borisow

Sherry & Ben Russell Eric & Katie Musselman

October 30 Enjoy Time in Worship Gail Grim &

Chelsea Picon

October Children’s Ministries

Sunday Morning Child Care Infant &

Toddler

Nursery

Worship Service Sunday School

October 2 Matt & Laura Musselman Amanda Evans &

Ashlen Godshall

October 9 Lori Groff &

Katie Musselman

Angela Benner &

Suzanne Gunden

October 16 Nate & Bekki Dibble Mike & Carrie Dennis

October 23 Dan Bencsik &

Tana Godshall Mark & Trish Watkins

October 30 Nancy Detwiler &

Tina Rhoads

Amy Cummings-Leight &

Wendy Levin


Bible Mania Children’s Church

September 4 Enjoy Time in Worship No Children’s Church

September 11 Heidi Borisow

Sherry & Ben Russell Andy & Erin Constanzer

September 18 Heidi Borisow

Sherry & Ben Russell Matt & Laura Musselman

September 25 Enjoy Time in Worship Lori Groff &

Dawn Repsher

September Children’s Ministries

Sunday Morning Child Care Infant &

Toddler

Nursery

Worship Service Sunday School

September 4 Amy Bergstresser &

Chelsea Picon No Sunday School

September 11 Sue High &

Terri Musselman

Amy Cummings-Leight &

Wendy Levin

September 18 Mike & Steph Helfrich Judy McVaugh &

Barb Schanz

September 25 Andy & Erin Constanzer Donna Halteman &

Eric Musselman


Saying Goodbye, continued from front cover.

Zion is full of gifted, kind and generous people. I had the pleasure of

enjoying a Liz Nyce funny cake, lunches and dinners with some of you,

and kind words shared in a note in the mailbox, or after a worship

service.

The six months that I’ve been here have gone very fast. I’ve enjoyed it

immensely! If it weren’t for increased family responsibilities and

feeling the squeeze that comes with caring for children and a

grandchild, as well as wanting to be more available to aging parents, I

would stay a little longer. I do believe that the people I have met here

and gotten to know have made my life fuller and richer. My tapestry of

life is all the brighter for it.

Transition is difficult for a congregation. I’ve been through it as a

congregant and as a pastor. People get weary of picking up the slack,

whatever and wherever that might be. Hang in there. Time, although it

can seem to move slowly, moves quickly, and before you know it, your

lead Pastor will be here. And when he or she comes, embrace him or

her with hospitality and love. Continue to walk with one another, love

one another, and be kind. I leave you with this prayer by Reverend

Linda C. Smith-Criddle, called For Times of Change.

“Assist us, Lord, in living hopefully into the future. In the face of

change, help us to set unnecessary fears aside and to recognize our

potential for creative response. Help us to develop a reasonable

optimism when confronted by ‘the new’ and to guard against our own

defensiveness. Be with us as we remember and celebrate former times,

and keep us from unreasonable yearning for them, which takes us from

the work you have set before us in our time. All this we ask in the name

of your child, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

God bless you all!

Klaudia Smucker

Don’t Miss it!!

Zion’s Annual Fall Blood Drive

Tuesday, September 27

11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

GIVEaPINT.org


Library News

Church Directory Updates Please add to your directory:

Arlene Landis Craig & Sumi Gerhart

Dock Meadows 216 Diamante Way

2343 Bethlehem Pike, Rm 310 Jupiter, Fla. 33477

Hatfield, Pa. 19440 [email protected]

215-822-6756

HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY, BEVERLY CLEARY!

Beverly Cleary was born in a small town in Oregon

in 1916. Her town had no library, but she went on to

become a librarian and children’s author, writing

over 30 books which have been published in 20

languages in 14 countries. As a librarian, she

struggled to find books that children could relate to,

so her books feature funny stories about children in

her neighborhood. She believed that it is important to

read for pleasure, and her characters Beezus and

Ramona Quimby, Henry Huggins, Ellen Tebbits,

Otis Spofford, Ribsy, Socks, and Ralph S. Mouse

have delighted children for generations.

In honor of Beverly Cleary’s 100th birthday this year, let’s Drop

Everything and Read (D.E.A.R.)!

Laura Martin

WANTED…

Bench for Library (4-5 feet long) Contact Laura Martin at [email protected].


Just a note of Thanks…

We wish to thank Zion members and friends for their cards and prayers upon Richard’s passing. A special thank you to Beth and Scott for their help, support and prayers in our time of sorrow. God Bless! Grace Price & family

Thank you for all the cards and the well wishes for my 100th birthday. Clarence Moyer

To everyone who has volunteered and served from July 1-15 with the Interfaith Hospitality Network, a big thank you! Thank you for your willingness to support this deserving ministry. Please remember your new friends in prayer as they work to transition into their own homes. It can be a long hard road for them. Deb Godshall, Judy McVaugh & Deb Hoover Zion's IHN Coordinators

Thank you to the Kindred Sisters for the kind and generous gift. The Delp Family

Thank you to everyone for the prayers, calls, visits, cards and flowers. We appreciate our Zion Church family, and all your love and support shown to us these last months when LaVerne could not attend. May God Bless You.

Geraldine Keller & Family

On September 25, Jon Carlson, Lead Pastor at Forrest Hills

Mennonite Church, will be coming to Zion to share with parents of

youth and young children. We will gather at 4:00 p.m. and conclude

no later than 5:30 p.m. Jon plans to talk about how parents can

include their children in their daily routine. This will be a

participatory event, so parents should come ready to share their

own stories and ideas. If you have any questions about this event,

please contact Pastor Scott.

Family Ministry News


If your birthday or anniversary is incorrect or missing, please notify the office.

September Birthdays & Anniversaries Birthdays

1 – Gina Marie Moffa 2 - Ashley Class 3 - Caryn Koffel 4 - Gavin Dennis 4 - Jim Detweiler 5 - Betsy Musselman 7 - Mary Fellman 7 - Analiese Picon 7 - Todd Umbenhauer 8 - Dan McDonough 9 - Bruce Russell 10 - Nancy Constanzer 10 - Mary Jane Koehler 10 – Bob Landes 10 - Art Sell 11 - Jared Ziegler 12 - Julianne Mervine 13 - Kerrie Ziegler 14 - Erica Grasse 14 - Bonnie Moyer 15 - Shaun Jones 15 – Gray Musselman 15 –Erin Saunders 17 –Mike Landis 17 – Arlen Nyce

18 - Lisa Grasse 18 – Debbie Hoover 18 – Geraldine Keller 18 - Bob Rahn 18 – Lisa Schmittinger 19 – Evelyn Alderfer 19 – Alice Green 20 – Althea Detwiler 20 – Barbara Miller 20 – Diane Ryer 21 - Jaime Constanzer 21 - Courtney Detweiler 21 – John Madaus 21 – Sarah Madaus 22 – Cory Keller 22 – Ellis Keller 23 - Mike Dennis 24 – Kay Derstine 24 – Donna Mast 24 – Tom Oelschlager 25 – Emma Baum 25 – Dot Greene 25 - Taylor Mowbray 25 – Esther Rampogu 26 – Dawn Koehler

26 – Jeannette Platt 26 – Steve Rosenberger 29 - Molly Hagan 29 – Honey Kulp 29 – Pat Landis 29 – Pauline Price 30 – Melanie Derstine 30 – Neha Rampogu

Anniversary 2 - Barry & Janet Hartzell 4 - Nate & Jaime Constanzer 4 - Brad & Susan Schanz 6 - Phil & Barb Schanz 8 - Dale & Nicole Yoder 8 - Joel & Sue Moyer 9 - Kevin & Katelyn Mikulka 14 - Kyle & Caryn Koffel 15 - Matt & Christine Godshall 15 - Rudy & Beth Rauschenberger 15 - Michael & Stephanie Helfrich 16 - Keith & Mary Koehler

19 - Keith & Karen Freed 19 - Ken & Amy Keller 19 - Don & Eleanor Norris 20 - James & Debbie Hoover 22 - Bob & Terri Musselman 22 - Tom & Brenda Oelschlager 23 - Craig & Gail Tourtellott 24 - Ken& Marilyn Ritter 25 - Jim & Kathy Landis 27 - Matthew & Laura Musselman 28 - Andy & Erin Constanzer


WEDNESDAY NIGHT RACES

In the spirit of the 2016 Summer Olympics, Zion held its own brand of

“Kids Olympics” by hosting the fourth season of Zion’s Wednesday

Night Races. Youth of all ages were invited to join in the fun for six

consecutive Wednesday evenings starting July 13. Even with the first

evening being rained out, we still had lots of eager runners and smiling

faces with an average of over 40 children participating over the

remainder of the nights.

Runners were slotted into age brackets and all were awarded a ribbon

and refreshments for their efforts. The distances by age bracket were as

follows:

Under Age 4: 1/8 mile Ages 5-6: 1/8 mile

Ages 7-10: 1/4 mile Ages 11 & up: 1/2 mile

The final evening concluded with commemorative t-shirts for the

participants and an ice cream social for everyone in attendance!

Thank you from the Fellowship Committee to all of you for your

generous donations of drinks and snacks, assistance with registration

and handing out ribbons, serving as “rabbits” for the kids to follow, and

for just attending to cheer on the children. We appreciate your support

each year of this fun event!

Rod Kratz

The Gatherings News

Starting again in October is The Gatherings! Please put this

on your calendars, so you don’t miss out on some great

fellowship and discipleship. We will start October 4 and

continue to meet most first and third Tuesday’s of the month

until March 15. This is a night for the entire family. People

can come for a simple meal and stay for one of many options:

Kid’s Club, youth group or adult Bible study.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=kids%20clip%20art&source=images&cd=&docid=4U4gltkHt9OuDM&tbnid=3buQUoDciN5E6M:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fanimatedcliparts.net%2Fkindergarten-clip-art%2F&ei=NxsNUqfdHI7i4AP6kYGQCg&bvm=bv.50768961,d.dmg&psig=AFQjC


Mission Moment

Aram and Debbie DiGennaro (Kenya): The family enjoyed a long,

busy furlough this year in the states. In May, Aram graduated with an

MBA. Business is a way to bring hope and social change. Especially in

places where poverty is prevalent, well-run businesses can make a huge

impact on the health and wholeness of a community. Now that he’s

finished with formal studies, Aram wants to focus on small-scale

business endeavors in Kenya. Also, Priska finished 4th grade and

Shadrach finished 2nd grade. Debbie finished her manuscript on cultural

competence. They have returned to Kenya starting their next term.

Bruce Yoder & Nancy Frey (Burkina Faso): At the end of March,

Nancy traveled with a group of colleagues, to participate in a Sister

Care workshop held in Kisumu, Kenya. Sister Care resource people

Rhoda Keener and Carolyn Heggen have held workshops for women in

the USA, Canada and in several Latin American countries. At the end

of the three day event the participants planned to take the training back

to their different regions. Things are going well at the Student Hostel

and there’s a waiting list of students who would like to join the hostel

as current students end their time there. WIRED (Walking in

Righteousness Every Day), an English language youth group, has been

a big part of Jeremiah and Deborah’s lives this year. Also, the family is

thanking God for progress in Bruce’s thesis project. Please pray for

energy and fortitude as he doubles down to finish in the next weeks and

defends later in September.

Please continue to keep all our missionaries in your thoughts and

prayers.

Judy McVaugh

I Left a Part of My Heart in Honduras

Trusting in God is something that I have always struggled with, but

after my two months in La Ceiba, Honduras, I can say that God is in

control and that is a beautiful thing. My two months in Honduras were

full of God and His unconditional love. I saw God everyday, whether it

was when I was working in the clinic or working with the kids in the

Continued to page 7...


Recipes Worth Sharing Peanut Butter Chip Cupcakes Servings: 18

===========================

1 cup unbleached all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature

3/4 cup smooth all natural peanut butter, at room temperature

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup whole milk

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Frosting

6 ounces unsalted butter, room temperature

1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup creamy peanut butter, natural (or if you want a smoother look, go not-natural)

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup whole milk

For Cupcakes:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Combine milk and vanilla in small bowl.

Combine flour, baking powder and salt in bowl. Beat butter and sugars in mixer

until light and fluffy. Add eggs and blend until smooth. Slowly mix in peanut

butter. Add half the flour mixture and blend slowly. When fully incorporated,

add milk mixture. Continue to blend slowly. Add remaining flour mixture and

mix on low speed just until incorporated. Add chocolate chips and fold in by

hand. Scoop into 12 lined baking cups and bake for about 22 minutes, or until

tops spring back when lightly touched and the edges are golden brown.

For Frosting:

Combine sugar and salt in a bowl. Combine milk and vanilla in another bowl.

Beat butter and peanut butter in mixer until smooth and creamy. Alternately add

sugar and milk mixture until fully incorporated. Add additional milk for a softer

consistency. Frost on top of cooled cupcakes.

P.S. When making the frosting, I had to add about an extra 2 cups of powdered

sugar to bring it to the consistency I wanted. You don’t have to do this, and it’s

not the way the original recipe says, but I felt like the frosting just wasn’t thick

enough. So don’t be afraid to add a little extra powdered sugar to bring the

consistency of the frosting to where you want it.

Yvonne Detweiler Exported from Home Cookin 6.45 (www.mountain-software.com)

Joyful Noiz May 2006 Page 14 Joyful Noiz September 2016 Page 14 Joyful Noiz September 2016

Honduras, continued from page 6.

local community. His presence was truly evident everywhere I went and

for that I am extremely grateful. It was a humbling experience to witness

and to share the gospel with so many nonbelievers. Watching God enter

into the lives of others set my soul on fire like never before. There are

not enough words to describe the greatness of our heavenly Father. I

could feel Him at work in me and in those around me. In the past two

months, He has shown me that the world changes when love is lavished

upon others. He has taught me that there is no GPS, no map, and no

compass for where love takes us; there is only Jesus. I praise God for my

experience in Honduras and I am excited to share more about my

journey with all of you. I left part of my heart there, and I look forward

to the day I can go back. I am so beyond thankful for all of the uplifting

prayers, financial support, and encouraging words. I have learned to be

fearless in the pursuit of what sets my soul on fire, and I trust God will

guide my footsteps to wherever life takes me next.

In Him, Katie Freed

August Church Board Highlights

2016 year to date giving totals through July are $5,017 behind budget.

ZMC Policy and Procedure Manual completed, currently being

reviewed by a lawyer, then will be distributed to staff.

Board is looking at individuals to participate on the now being formed

Gift Discernment Committee.

Board reviewed the proceedings of the August 7 Congregation

Meeting and agreed to look into security systems that might serve

ZMC better than the current key lock system.

~ Tim Groff, Church Chair


The Daily Positive

8 Daily Habits For A Positive Life By Amanda Foust

Discussions around habits often include the topic of failure. Many

people follow a list of steps for a certain period of time, but then

struggle to establish patterns they can stick to. But despite failure, I

have discovered that we form habits in our lives whether we are

intentional about creating them or not. Daily routines where I grab an

easy meal instead of eating healthy, binge on Netflix marathons

instead of reading a good book, or complain to my husband instead of

offering a kind word have become habits that didn’t require any

conscious effort. I’ve determined that creating a positive life requires

replacing patterns that pull me away from a life of joy and purpose.

When I think about habits for a positive life, I think about feeding the

soul. There is a lot of information and plenty of resources

surrounding how to feed your mind and body, but not a lot on how to

feed your soul. I believe nurturing the spiritual part of ourselves will

then overflow into a positive mind and body. Here is a list of 8 daily

habits for a positive life:

1. Take a moment to sit quietly. Whether this is through meditation, journaling, or prayer, take the

time to reflect and listen to your inner self. Create space for positive

energy and force out negativity. Find a location that allows you to sit,

shut out the noise of the world, and sort through the noise within.

Doing this in the morning will release stress and start your day with

peace and clarity.

2. Practice gratitude. In a world of entitlement, we sometimes forget to be grateful.

Acknowledging your blessings each night will put your mind in the

positive state needed to welcome rest. Keep a notepad by your bed

where you can write down your blessings. This way, if it’s been a

hard day, you can see several examples of good.

3. Learn something new. Continual learning, and the growth produced as a result, helps to

mold us into well-rounded people. We may not always be the best at

the new things we try, but taking risks and being open to new

learning will ultimately develop confidence and courage. Read a


The Trip Began, continued from page 12.

and such down, and took the doors and windows out. Then we proceeded to tear the drywall and wet insulating out, and then moved

on to tearing the wood paneling off. While this was going on, we also sorted through a couple hundred pictures that were flooded; sorting

out the salvageable and disposing of the rest. Everything that we pulled off/out of the house we piled in the front

yard, where they would be loaded into a truck and taken with all of the other debris that was washed away by the flood. Many of the

boards that we pulled off the house, however, were able to be

reused; so we had a team on the back porch removing the nails out of every board and carefully stacking the boards behind the garage. By late Thursday afternoon, most of the walls had been taken down

as far as was safe, so we started taking the front porch apart. On Friday morning we pulled the section of roof overhanging the back

porch down, and we started preparing to pull the main roof down. We

attached chains to what remained of the house’s walls, hooked the other end of said chain to one of the vehicles, and proceeded to try to

collapse the roof. A couple of hours (and a couple of stuck vehicles) later, most of the roof collapsed, and we started to clean up what we

could; leaving the work site an hour later for the last time. Saturday

morning we woke up, ate breakfast and cleaned the bathrooms once more before we repacked our suitcases and left around 8:15, arriving

back in Zion’s parking lot nine hours later.

Emily Bergey

Register Now!

Registration is now open for the Camp Men-O-Lan 5th annual Sporting Clay Fundraiser being held September 10 at Lehigh Valley Sporting Clays.

The cost is $150 per shooter which includes targets & ammo, coffee, donuts, lunch and door prizes.


Youth News The Trip Began…

On July 10, the Senior High youth group left for West Virginia on a six-day missions trip. Leaving at 6:00 a.m., seventeen (youth and advisors) of us

arrived in a small town outside of Fayetteville. We stayed in an old high school set up to house us and several other churches by Christian

Endeavor, a Christian organization from Pennsylvania. We slept in two

separate hallways, one for the men, one for the women; there were eight bunk beds per room. Every morning we ate breakfast (made by Christian

Endeavor) with the other churches at 7:00 a.m., then were given chores before we left for our work sites. We had a different chore each day:

bathroom cleaning, hallway cleaning, cleaning up breakfast, etc.. After

cleaning, we packed up our tools and left on a half-hour drive for our work site. We took a break from working around 12:00 for lunch (packed

by Christian Endeavor) and devotions. Sometimes Pastor Scott led devotions, and sometimes it was led by a youth or advisor.

After devotions we worked at our site until 4:00 or 4:30 p.m., then packed

up and headed back to the high school. Most of us chose to shower as soon as we got back, and then we all headed down to dinner at 5:30 p.m.

After dinner we had free time until 7:00 p.m., when we gathered in the auditorium for the service. The service usually ended around 8:30-8:45,

and then we were free until the 10:45 p.m. lights out. Wednesday was our half-day, when we had our service in the morning, and only worked at

our site until 12:30 p.m.; the rest of the day was ours. With our free time

we went white water rafting and then out to dinner.

Our work site was a demolition job: a handicapped woman, Linda, had a

house on the edge of a river that was destroyed by the recent flooding. When we got to the site on Monday, the only objects out of the house

were the furniture; the cabinets, shower, toilets, and sinks were still inside and the rest of the house was still intact. We started by taking cabinets

Continued on page 13.


The Daily Positive, continued.

book, take an online class, or skim through articles about a topic that

interests you. Growth from learning empowers positivity.

4. Connect with positive people. Every now and then we find ourselves around a person who brings us

down. If we build relationships with positive people and work on

connecting each day, we will soon reflect that same positivity in our

other relationships.

5. Spend time in nature. Go outside, breathe in the fresh air, walk, or ride your bike, and take

notice of the beauty around you. Movement combined with the

outdoors is always nourishment for the soul. Nature makes us slow

down and appreciate what’s alive and thriving around us. We will soon

thrive as well.

6. Let go of the past and focus on new possibilities. It’s easy to get sucked into disappointment about the things we haven’t

accomplished or the many failures we have all experienced. But if we

take the time to dream and dwell in possibilities instead, we will soon

develop a natural, positive way of thinking.

7. Share kindness. The old saying, “Treat others the way you want to be treated” really

holds true! Spreading kindness through words, acts of service, or

giving your time not only instills positivity but also shares positivity.

Practice taking notice of situations around you in which you could

share a kind word or deed.

8. Set fear aside.

Fear of failing or taking risks can be paralyzing at times. But if we get

into the habit of naming our fears, owning them, and then setting them

aside, we create room for positivity to take root. Just as fear can embed

itself into our souls, we can dig up the roots and plant positivity in its

place.

Habits take time to develop and stick. As you incorporate these eight

daily practices, be kind and patient with yourself. Don’t let a small

failure keep you from trying again. A positive life is worth the

attention and effort it will take to weed out bad habits and replace them

with good ones.

What are some ways you practice living a positive life?



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